Rituals Followed In The Process Of Hindu Cremations

Just like several other things, death too happens to be an inseparable part of our lives, but the only point is that it separates us from our loved ones. This is why the death of a close one is the saddest moment of our lives, but in several cultures, people take it rather practically and let it happen very straightforwardly. One such culture or religion is Hinduism, where it is considered as the last ritual of life and therefore, traditions are followed rather strictly.

The process is given many names in Hindu religion, but the two most popular names are ‘Antim Samskara’ and ‘Antyeshti’. The process is compiled in such a way that the followers of Hinduism believe that with it, the soul merges in the SUPER SOUL or the God Himself, as it is always its part and parcel. This is why; the process is conducted as prescribed in the Vedas and a priest happens to be the most important role player. Under his guidance, Hindu cremations are conducted, where the eldest member of the family carries out all the rituals.

Back in India, Hinduism followers believe that the ideal place is nearby some water source, but this practice is getting reduced rapidly as the number of crematoriums is increasing day by day. Companies engaged in offering Sikh funeral services in Australia, USA and other countries still try to make the process as close as possible to what’s been described in the Vedas. For this particular reason, you’ll find a small temple and a man-made pond like infrastructure in the funeral homes offering Sikh funeral services and Hindu cremations.

The process starts from mourning and family members arranging the pyre and sitting around it. The followers of this religion consider the dead body to be an impure object; therefore, minimum physical contact is made with it. The body is usually wrapped in white clothes and dipped in the sacred water of some water channel. However, because it is not possible everywhere, the funeral directors often keep water from the most sacred river of Hindu followers, i.e., the Ganges. The basically sprinkle the water on the corpse with the aim of purifying the trapped soul and its smooth release from the clutches of materialism.

If an unmarried or married woman dies, she is basically wrapped in red or any bright colored clothes and decorated with ornaments. The actual process of Antim Samskara starts with the pyre being carried to the crematorium on the shoulders of 4 people and placed on Sandalwood, etc. depending upon the budget.

After the last respect and homage is paid, the eldest member of the family or the eldest son of the deceased is made to put fire or ‘Agni’ to the pyre. The priest responsible for the process has the most important role to play as he has to keep an eye on the exactness of the process and reciting sacred mantras from the Vedas and other sacred scriptures followed by the Hindus.

Alba Jessica  is associated with Sahara Funerals, We are humbled that Sydney’s Indian community trusts us to arrange authentic Hindu and Sikh funeral services. We understand your loved one’s funeral service may be an unexpected expense. The services of company also include Hindu Cremations,Sikh Funeral Services and more

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